There are many legendary accounts encircling the birth of Ravi Varma, the divinely talented and precocious child circulating in the Palace circles, which are passed on from generation to generation, and relatable to certain rituals presently held in the family. As per the legend Umamba Bayi Thampuratti, big with child, was returning after her evening prayers in the family shrine. She was circumambulating the old banyan tree with vast canopy that stood upright in the Kavu (Sacred Grove). The leaves of the tree were shaking vigorously in a raging wind. Suddenly a twig broke off and fell on her. Umamba Bayi was startled out of her wits and fainted. She was sick and in a state of delirium. Physicians were summoned, but none of them could cure her. At last the elders brought in an oracle who sensed the presence of a Yakshi (a female spirit associated with Sacred Groves, believed to be capable of blessing worshippers with fertility, often worshipped as a sub deity or tutelary deity) who had possessed her in the groves. Appeased by special poojas and offerings, the Yakshi finally consented to leave her body. Instead of being nailed to a tree, the Yakshi was installed as a deity and was worshipped in a shrine. Before leaving, Yakshini Mata granted her a boon that the child in her womb would become world famous. According to the Oracle, the Yakshi was no longer a Balabhakshini (child devourer) but a Balarakshini (child protector).

That blessed baby was none other than the world renowned Painter Prince Raja Ravi Varma.